examples of eyeglasses![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
The shape of glasses varies depending on the period and their use (e.g., correcting far- or nearsightedness, protecting the eye, magnifying).
opera glasses ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Optical magnifying instrument held in front of the eyes; it is used for looking at relatively close objects such as at the theater.
monocle ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Single lens held in place under the ridge of the eyebrow.
lorgnette ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Glasses held in front of the eyes by a handle attached to the side of one rim.
pince-nez ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Glasses whose frame has a spring bridge that grips the nose.
sunglasses ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Glasses with lenses that filter the sun’s glare to protect the eyes.
scissors-glasses ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Lorgnette whose lenses fold back over one another and can be slipped into the handle, which also acts as a case.
half-glasses ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Glasses with half lenses to correct farsightedness; the empty space above them is used to see distances.